Sandblast Rally


Sandblast Rally is a rally racing event for both cars and motorcycles. The event takes place in the towns of Chesterfield, Cheraw and Patrick, South Carolina, USA. In later years the events have been held in February of each year. The 2008 event was the largest rally in the United States.

Characteristics

The rally takes place within the Sand Hills State Forest, part of the Sandhills region of the Carolinas. Most rallies are held on closed tarmac or gravel roads; sandblast rally roads are almost entirely sand. Some of the roads are compacted by heavy trucks, some of the more infrequently used roads are quite soft. This presents an unusual challenge to rally cars, as the constant drag of the sand increases the wear and drag on the transmissions. The driving technique is also different from other rallies, as the soft sand on the side of the road can be similar to a snowbank, while the braking ability exceeds that of tarmac with slick tires.

History

Long named "Sandhills Sandblast" after the region, the event was first organized by Greg Healey in the early 1990s. In the second year of running the event became part of the SCCA ProRally national championship. Healey moved to Pennsylvania in the mid-1990s and the rally lay dormant for several years. The first rallies started at noon and ran well into the night, with three or four stages run in complete darkness.
In 2001 Charles Sherrill resurrected the event, with similar stages. One of the busiest years was 2003 when the event ran twice in one year, spring and fall. The fall event was the first event sanctioned by the newly formed NASA Rally Sport organization.
In 2005 Anders Green became the organizer, and the official name became "Sandblast Rally".
In the February 2007 event, motorcycles were introduced as part of NASA Rally Sport's new RallyMoto program.

Past winners

YearDriver & CodriverMakeMotorcycleModel
2020Klim Fedoff and Boyd SmithMitsubishi Evo IXBill CongerKTM 450XC
2019Martin Donnelly and Brian DohertyFord FiestaRandy RichardsonHusqvarna 701 Enduro
2018Eric Wages and Sarah MontplaisirSubaru Impreza STiBobby WooldridgeHusaberg FE 570
2017Ruben Cuenca and Ramiro ArevaloSubaru Impreza STiBill CongerAprilla RXV 5.5
2016Patrick Brennan and Aaron CrescentiMitsubishi Evo IXBobby WooldridgeHusaberg FE 570
2015Gary Donoghue and Kieran McElhinneyMitsubishi EvoBill CongerAprilla RXV 5.5
2014Eric Wages and Sarah MontplaisirSubaru Impreza STiDevon MahonKTM 530 EXC
2013Jason Smith and Jared LantzySubaru ImprezaMichael GilkeyKTM 950 Adventure S
2012Michael Reilly and Joshua BenthienFord Escort CosworthBill CongerAprilla RXV 5.5
2011Charles Sherill and Wilson Von KesslerMitsubishi Evo IVAaron GibsonKTM 690R
2010Eduardo Bancalari and Jay MauneySubaru Impreza WRXBill CongerAprilla RXV 5.5
2009Eduardo Bancalari and Jay MauneySubaru Impreza WRXMichael GilkeyKTM 950 SE
2008Charles Sherrill and Brian O'NealMitsubishi Evo IVMark ElyAprilla RXV 5.5
2007Celcus Donnelly and Noel GallagherMitsubishi Evo VIIIMark ElyHonda XR 640 SP
2006Seamus Burke and Brian SharkeyMitsubishi Evo VIII
2005Seamus Burke and Charles BradleyMitsubishi Evo VIII
2004Seamus Burke and Charles BradleyMitsubishi Evo VIII
2003 Seamus Burke and Brian SharkeyMitsubishi Evo VI
2003 Seamus Burke and Emma BurkeMitsubishi Evo VIII
2002John Drislane and Ronan BurkeMitsubishi Evo IV
2001Thomas Lawless and Cathal McCaireMitsubishi Evo IV
1996Paul Choiniere and Jeff BeckerHyundai Elantra
1995Paul Choiniere and Jeff BeckerAudi Coupe S2
1994Paul Choiniere and Jeff BeckerAudi Coupe S2